Microbiological activities in the composting process – A review

Authors

  • Franjo Nemet Department of Agroecology and Environment Protection, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
  • Katarina Perić Department of Agroecology and Environment Protection, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
  • Zdenko Lončarić Department of Agroecology and Environment Protection, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18380/SZIE.COLUM.2021.8.2.41

Keywords:

Microorganisms, compost, biodegradable material, microbiological degradation

Abstract

Composting is a technological process of waste management that is, with the help of microbiological activities in aerobic conditions, organic material is decomposed and stabilized into a biodegradable mixture and transformed into compost. This process of decomposition of organic matter has recently attracted a lot of attention due to its environmentally friendly methods in which additional environmental pollution is avoided. The composting process follows four phases (first mesophilic phase, thermophilic phase, second mesophilic phase, and maturation phase). The most important factors influencing the decomposition success are C/N ratio, humidity, temperature, substrate particle size, pH, oxygen content and microorganisms. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes act as chemical decomposers in the process of decomposition of organic matter into carbon dioxide, heat, water, hummus, and a relatively stable final organic product - compost. In the process of composting, microorganisms decompose the complex molecules of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The presence of different types of microorganisms is influenced by the composition of composite mixtures and changes in temperature through the phases of the composting process. At the beginning of compression, the microbial activity increases significantly, which causes a temperature rise. The initial dominance of bacteria is replaced by fungi that are most active in the process of compost maturation.This scientific paper aims to present an overview of the composting process and the role of beneficial microorganisms in the process of decomposition of organic matter of the compost mixture.

Author Biography

  • Franjo Nemet, Department of Agroecology and Environment Protection, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

    franjo.nemet@fazos.hr
    corresponding author

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Published

2021-12-28

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Article

How to Cite

Microbiological activities in the composting process – A review. (2021). COLUMELLA – Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 8(2), 41-53. https://doi.org/10.18380/SZIE.COLUM.2021.8.2.41

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